Graphical user interface with method and apparatus for interfacing to remote devices

1. A method of controlling a remote device with a local display device, said local display device coupled to a communication network, said method comprising: receiving in said local display device information including a user interface object used to define a user interface on said local display device and a device driver object used to control said remote device from said local display device; accessing a database to obtain a control code for said remote device; displaying a portal object corresponding to the received user interface object on said local display device, wherein the portal object corresponds to at least one object oriented method; displaying on said local display device a view corresponding to the user interface object for said remote device when said user selects said portal object; and transmitting said control code to said remote device based on the received device driver object.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said information identifying said remote device comprises a model number of said remote device entered by a user.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of displaying a portal object further comprises the step of displaying a portal object associated with said remote device.

4. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of: displaying a data object, said data object including information; and programming said remote device according to said information within said data object.

5. A display device coupled to a communications network for controlling at least one remote device, said display device comprising the elements of: a central processing unit (CPU); a memory coupled to the CPU; means for receiving information including a user interface object used to define a user interface on said display device and a device driver object used to control said remote device from said display device; means for accessing a database to obtain a control code for said remote device; means for displaying a portal object corresponding to the received user interface object on said display device, wherein the portal object corresponds to at least one object oriented method; means for displaying a view corresponding to the user interface object for said remote device when said user selects said portal object; and means for transmitting said control code to said remote device based on the received device driver object.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said information identifying said remote device comprises a model number of said remote device entered by a user.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein means for displaying a portal object further comprises means for displaying a portal object associated with said remote device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising: means for displaying a data object, said data object including information; and means for programming said remote device according to said information within said data object.